The Bloom #170 Free Edition amalgamations

The pace of research has picked up again.

With over a week to go in January, the link overview (which now includes the papers we cover on Blossom) has 104 studies linked.

In the studies we cover below, we take a second look at the 'pharmahuasca' study and see positive results (and many details) on the journey of the drug and the effects and actions (on healthy subjects). We also cover a new study on psychedelics and personality, of which we've seen quite a few recently. And finally, we discuss the second study in healthcare workers and psilocybin-assisted therapy, which finds reductions in depression and other mental health issues.

Floris - Founder of Blossom

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Latest Psychedelic Research

1 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of an Innovative Psychedelic N,N-Dimethyltryptamine/Harmine Formulation in Healthy Participants​

This secondary analysis of an RCT (n=31) evaluates a novel pharmaceutical formulation of DMT and harmine in healthy male volunteers. The study finds that intranasal DMT and buccal harmine (pharmahuasca) produce consistent pharmacokinetic profiles and safe, well-tolerated effects resembling ayahuasca, with subjective experiences lasting 2–3 hours. This formulation is proposed as a safer, standardised alternative for potential therapeutic use in mental health disorders.

2 Moderating factors in psilocybin-assisted treatment affecting mood and personality​

This observational study (n=83) examines factors influencing the effects of individual psilocybin-assisted therapy (PAT) on depression, anxiety, PTSD, and personality traits. Results show that a single high dose of psilocybin reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD over three months while increasing openness and conscientiousness. Mystical experiences, emotional breakthroughs, and personal growth, along with demographic factors, moderate these positive changes.

3 Psilocybin-Assisted Group Psychotherapy + Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Frontline Healthcare Provider COVID-19 Related Depression and Burnout​

This preprint, randomized controlled trial (n=25) evaluates the safety and efficacy of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP/PAT) combined with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for frontline healthcare providers with depression and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show greater improvements in depression (QIDS-SR-16), burnout (MBI-HSS-MP), demoralization (DS-II), and connectedness (WCS) in the MBSR+PAP group compared to MBSR alone, with no serious adverse events reported.

More Research

• ​Health Care Resource Use and Medical Costs Among Patients With Major Depressive Disorder and Acute Suicidal Ideation or Behavior Initiated on Esketamine Nasal Spray or Traditional Treatments in the United States​
• ​Effect of ketamine on anxiety: findings from the Ketamine for Adult Depression Study​
• ​Multidimensional Personality Changes Following Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder: Results From a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial​
• ​Compass Psychological Support Model for COMP360 Psilocybin Treatment of Serious Mental Health Conditions​
• ​Single-Dose Psilocybin for Depression With Severe Treatment Resistance: An Open-Label Trial​

New on Blossom

1 Psychedelic Research Recap December 2024​

December saw a noticeable slowdown in new psychedelic research publications, with 14 studies added to the Blossom database compared to the monthly average of 20. This seasonal dip is not uncommon, as research efforts often wind down toward the end of the year.

This month’s recap covers key research across several categories. Clinical studies were prominent in examining psilocybin therapy for healthcare workers, the safety profile of 3-MMC, and the therapeutic potential of intravenous DMT. Re-analyses of earlier clinical data provided deeper insights into esketamine’s efficacy compared to quetiapine, the link between psilocybin-induced experiences and depression outcomes, and the personality changes facilitated by psilocybin therapy. Reviews tackled broader themes, including the variability in reporting standards for psychedelic-assisted therapy, the neural and pharmacological effects of psychedelics, and healthcare workers’ attitudes toward their clinical application.

Finally, broader perspectives addressed the practical challenges of establishing psychedelic research programs and the regulatory shift in Australia allowing psilocybin and MDMA for specific conditions. Together, these studies and discussions reflect the growing maturity of psychedelic science while underlining the need for standardization, broader education, and global collaboration to maximise its therapeutic impact.

2 Psychedelic Research Links 2025​

A comprehensive overview of all psychedelic research that has come out this year. We cover the research per month and provide a one-sentence summary for each new publication. After the full summary is added, a link to Blossom's review is added to papers included in our database.

Spotlight

1 Psychedelic Practitioner Fundamentals (Event)

The Synthesis Institute is set to host the second edition of "Psychedelic Practitioner Fundamentals – Cultivating Excellence in Psychedelic Care," a complimentary online conversation series running from February 12 to March 5, 2025. This four-part weekly series brings together renowned experts, including Dr Rosalind Watts, Dr Robin Carhart Harris, Akua Ofosuhene, and Dr Devon Christie, among others, to explore the intersections of science, spirituality, embodied wisdom, and human connection in psychedelic care. Each 75-minute session will focus on a distinct dimension of practice: Relational Wisdom, Cognitive Wisdom, Sacred Wisdom, and Embodied Wisdom.

The event series aims to address the growing need for comprehensive practitioner education as psychedelics enter mainstream health and wellness. Participants will gain insights into creating therapeutic containers, integrating evidence-based protocols with sacred traditions, implementing somatic practices, and building authentic therapeutic relationships while maintaining professional boundaries. The series is open to both aspiring and experienced practitioners, offering live sessions at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 7 PM CET, with registrants also receiving complimentary access to 'The Complete Guide to Holistic Psychedelic Care' upon conclusion of the events.

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